If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall in Fairfield, a Fairfield slip and fall lawyer at Injured CT is here to help. We have represented numerous clients in slip and fall cases. Call us now to start your claim.
Slip and fall accidents make up the largest percentage of all workplace accidents at roughly 15 percent. According to reports from the CDC, more than 1 million people suffer from slip and fall injuries each year. Between 15,000 and 20,000 patients die each year because of these injuries. And these numbers only account for reported incidents.
Surviving a serious slip and fall accident is great news, but the ordeal doesn’t end at the hospital. Many patients suffer from ongoing complications caused by the accident.
It can affect their future work opportunities and their ability to enjoy their normal daily activities. There’s also the matter of expensive hospital bills, loss of wages, and ongoing physical therapy.
Our Fairfield personal injury lawyers specialize in helping these patients regain control over their lives, their finances, and their future.
What Are the Most Common Slip and Fall Accidents?
Numerous slip and fall accidents go unreported because the injured party believes they are entirely at fault. However, many of these accidents are the result of structural defects, malfunctioning equipment, or third-party negligence. Here are some of the most common causes that we encounter in Connecticut.
– Improper Maintenance: Whether it’s broken handrails, damaged lights, or uneven concrete; improper maintenance is among the leading causes of slip and fall accidents. Our firm can help prove that the property owner is at fault by not repairing the damage or warning you of the condition ahead of time.
– Wet And Slippery Floors: This is another extremely common cause of slip and fall accidents. We’ve all seen the “Wet Floor” signs before, but property owners don’t always put these signs up when they should. If the property owner failed to warn people about the potential risk, then they may be held liable for the damages caused.
– Failure To Install Safety Measures: There are certain safety measures that property owners are expected to install to protect pedestrians. Some common examples include gutters, handrails, and other anti-slip devices. If these safety measures were not properly installed, then the property owner may be at fault for any injuries experienced.
How Can a Fairfield Slip and Fall Lawyer Help Me With My Case?
Dealing with a serious injury is already a daunting task. Trying to overcome an injury while also fighting a legal battle can seem nearly impossible. That’s where our law firm comes into play. We’re here to help fight your legal battle while you focus on recovering.
Our main objective is always to help our clients receive the compensation they are owed. Of course, there are a lot of steps along the way. That’s why we always recommend contacting an attorney as soon as possible. We do our best work when we are there to help from the beginning.
A few of the ways we can help include:
- Filing casework
- Negotiating with lawyers and insurance providers
- Determining/proving fault
- Securing favorable compensation
What Steps Can Be Taken to Help a Slip and Fall Case?
While we strive to do as much of the work as possible, there are still a few steps you can take to help the case along the way. Here is a simple outline of the steps you can take to help the case along the way.
- Document everything: Photographs are going to be one of your most important assets following an accident. If you are physically able, then you should photograph as much as possible from the scene of the accident. This includes the specific area where the accident took place, the surrounding area, and the injury itself.
- Report the incident to the manager: An alarming percentage of injury victims never report the incident. It becomes more difficult to prove fault the longer you wait to report the incident. Furthermore, the manager needs to be notified so that they can do what is necessary to prevent future accidents in the same area. But make sure you have already taken your photos before changes are made.
- Get information from witnesses: Having a witness to the accident is always helpful when it comes to proving what happened and who is at fault. If there are any witnesses, then you should ask for their contact information and whether they would be willing to provide a statement when the time comes.
- Get to the hospital: At this point, your work at the scene of the accident is complete. You’ve taken photos, alerted the appropriate parties, and gathered contact information. Now it is time to seek medical attention if needed. It’s a good idea to get a doctor’s opinion even if you feel like the injury is manageable on your own.
How Can a Slip and Fall Accident Be Proved?
Much of the work we perform involves proving who is at fault or liable for an accident. You may be surprised to learn that a property manager is at fault even if you are to blame. That’s what we are here for. We will review the scene of the accident, witness statements, photographs, and any additional evidence necessary. There are two key factors that we always try to prove:
- The property owner knew of the hazardous condition or it is reasonable to assume that they should have known.
- The injured party was not aware of the dangerous condition.
How Is Liability Determined in a Fairfield Slip and Fall Case?
Connecticut operates with strict premises liability laws. These laws help protect individuals as well as property owners that may be the target of frivolous lawsuits. In Fairfield, property owners owe a duty of care to customers and guests invited to the property. If they fail to meet this basic duty of care, they can be found liable for injuries you received on their property.
We will discuss several aspects of the accident to help determine if this duty of care was breached and if you are eligible for compensation. Here are a few questions we will cover with you:
- Were you engaging in any activity that contributed directly to the injury?
- Were you an invited guest or did you have a good reason to be on the property at the time?
- Were you acting with an expected and reasonable degree of caution?
How Much Is My Slip and Fall Case Worth?
This is going to vary depending on the severity of the accident and the determination of the property owner. Average hospital costs for a slip and fall injury are between $30,000 to $40,000. And the average settlement for a slip and fall case is in the same price range.
However, other losses need to be considered outside of initial hospital costs, such as ongoing physical therapy and any loss of wages. Your compensation should cover all of these losses; both short-term and long-term.
Are There Any Time Limits for Filing a Slip and Fall Lawsuit?
In Fairfield, CT, patients have 2 years from the time of an injury to file a lawsuit. This is the same limitation that is applied to most personal injury lawsuits in the state.
But we do not recommend waiting nearly as long. The sooner you file your lawsuit the easier it will be to prove your case and receive your compensation.
A Fairfield Slip and Fall Lawyer Is Standing By to Help!
Slip and fall injuries can range from mildly painful to completely debilitating. In either case, you shouldn’t be responsible for any financial losses if the accident was not your fault.
If you’ve recently experienced a slip and fall injury, then contacting a Fairfield Slip and Fall lawyer should be a top priority. We can help prove fault, fight greedy insurance companies, and secure the compensation you are owed.